Our Guide To Buying A Second Hand Bike
This week celebrates 'Bike Week'. Which is all about encouraging you to get on your bike and ride. Whether it's to school/work or simply leisure, it's cycling season. The only thing you need to join in is a bike Which if you don't have to buy new can be quite costly, and with the current climate might not be obtainable. That is where buying second hand comes in. With sites like Preloved you can get a perfecting good bike that doesn't leave you scraping the barrel for the rest of the month. However, making sure that you have the right bike can be daunting which is why have offered our advice. So, here is our guide to buying a second hand bike.
What Questions To Ask When Buying A Second Hand Bike
When looking for anything online we all flock to the description of the product. With bikes these are normally pretty lengthy as people have many tales to tell regarding their previous adventures. Which is great to help narrow down your options but there are some key things you need to look out for; which is why asking the right questions is important. Remember you shouldn't be put off by a lack of description it just means you have to put more leg work in.
Our top questions are:
- How old is the bike?
- Are you it's only owner?
- When did you last have the bike serviced?
- Are any components of the bike broken? or been replaced?
- Is the bike functional? (Seems obvious but you'd be surprised)
- What are the conditions of the tyres like?
- Has the chain been oiled recently?
Keep An Eye On The Pictures
Like any listing, ones of second hand bikes also need great photos. The better quality the photos the more accurate and educated your decision can be. Even if the listing is honest and shows scuffs or marks on the bike. If it's listed in the description and they don't have a photo of them, don't shy away from asking to see it.
Photos also give you a good indication to how the previous owner looked after their bike. Meaning you can figure out if their version of 'good condition' matches yours. When looking for faults make sure you are considering the more expensive parts of the bike. Like the frame, are their any dents or cracks that will lead to it falling apart. Carbon frames with damages can result in structural issues, so we suggest you avoid any of those.
Second Hand Bike Suspension's
If the bike you want has a front or rear suspension, then you NEED to find out when it was last serviced. Similar to a car suspension on a bike needs oiling up, to prevent damage and reduce wear and tear. The recommended amount of times a fork should be serviced can be found on manufacturers websites. If the previous owner has followed this time line then the fork should last it's advised lifespan.
If the bike has rear suspension then these are usually pivoted on bearings or attached to the frame with brushing. Both of which are inexpensive to replace and can usually be found if the bike rattles when riding it.
Make Sure It's The Right Size
One that seems obvious but if you aren't going to see the bike in person it's important to figure out what size you want. You might strike gold and find the perfect listing, and the person lists their height and it's the same as you.
Consider old bikes, or maybe go to a bike store to get a better idea of what you're looking for. The most important thing is don't be swayed by a bike that's the wrong size just because the price seems good!
Online vs. Offline
When it comes to buying a second hand bike there is the age old debate of a second hand store or classified sites like Preloved. In our honest opinion we think you should do what suits you best. Some of you might not have the privilege to have a second hand bike store near you, or you might find that you have better luck online. If you are wondering about what bike it is you need or certain features, we suggest heading into your nearest sports store and asking one of the assistants. That way you are making an informed decision no matter what you do. Whilst online is cheaper and we know our members have some incredible listings, ensuring your bike is second hand is the most important part of this. Saving your bank balance and the world one bike at a time.
